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River Petterill (7)

The village of Blencow obviously grew up around the River Petterill, in fact it divides the village in two – Little Blencow and Great Blencow. The river is now quite grown up and flows quickly; very different from when it was just a tiny stream by Greystoke. Several tributaries have joined it and increased the flow. It is now becoming quite wide too and has created islands, as can be seen in this picture. This has been named 'Wild Duck Island', as stated on the signboard. Someone has made stepping-stones to the island and there is seating and evidence of a fire. A bit of Swallows and Amazons it would seem.
 
Extra 1
A rather nice early 19th century bridge takes the road over the river and joins the two parts of the village. Built of red sandstone and having two arches, it also has pedestrian refuges, which we were glad of as a large truck came by!
 
Extra 2
This house in Great Blencow was once a well-known grammar school, founded by Thomas Burbank in 1577. It was the first free grammar school in the north of England and some quite prominent people of the time were educated there. The school was rebuilt in 1795 and continued as a school until 1911. It has an impressive tower and weathervane.
 
Also in Great Blencow is a large house set in grounds and surrounded by trees – Ennim. From 1956 until 1999 this was the home of William (Willie) Whitelaw, Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border. During his residence a substantial police presence was maintained at the house, even after Whitelaw’s retirement, owing to his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.